CN111801030A - Lanyard - Google Patents

Abstract

A lanyard is provided having an attachment member, such as a tool holding member, tether catch or shackle. The lanyard includes one or more elastic cords within the sheath. The sheath has a much lower elasticity than the elastic cord. The higher spring constant or elastic modulus of the sheath limits the overall length of extension of the lanyard in operation. The elastic cord stretches to absorb the energy of the falling device until it reaches the length of the outer sheath. The attachment member may be attached to the sheath or may include components of the sheath and or elastic cord. The lanyard allows an elastic response to absorb the energy of the falling tool and to restrain the overall stretched length of the lanyard.

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Application No. 62/609,078, filed December 21, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background technique

The present invention generally relates to the field of tools. The present invention particularly relates to a lanyard for connecting a tool or battery to an anchorage point, eg when working at heights. Lanyards are used to attach/support tools, batteries, components and/or other equipment to provide safety if the operator inadvertently drops the equipment. Lanyards also protect tools or equipment from damage caused by falls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lanyard. The lanyard includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a sheath, and an elastic cord. The sheath includes a first end coupled to the first attachment member and a second end coupled to the second attachment member. The sheath defines an extended length between the first end and the second end. The elastic cord has a first elastic cord end and a second elastic cord end. Both the first elastic cord end and the second elastic cord end are attached to the first attachment member. The elastic cord defines a loop between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the elastic cord is stretchable between an unstretched length and a stretched length. The unstretched length is less than the stretched length, wherein the elasticity of the sheath is less than the elasticity of the elastic cord.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a lanyard. The lanyard includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a sheath, and four or more separate elastic cords. The sheath includes a first end coupled to the first attachment member and a second end coupled to the second attachment member. The sheath defines an extended length between the first end and the second end. The four or more independent elastic cords are arranged within the sheath. Each elastic cord is coupled between a first attachment member and a second attachment member on opposite ends of the sheath. The elastic cord is capable of stretching between an unstretched length and a stretched length. The unstretched length is less than the stretched length, so that the elasticity of the sheath is less than the elasticity of the elastic cord.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a lanyard. The lanyard includes a tool holding member, a shackle, a sheath, and one or more elastic cords. The sheath includes a first end coupled to the tool holding member and a second end coupled to the shackle. The second end of the sheath is opposite the first end. The fully extended sheath defines the ultimate tensioning length of the lanyard. The one or more elastic cords are disposed within the sheath and are coupled to the tool holding member at the first end of the sheath and to the shackle at the second end of the sheath. The one or more elastic cords have a pre-tensioned length and a tensioned length. The tension length of the one or more elastic cords is less than or equal to the ultimate tension length of the sheath. The ultimate tensioned length of the sheath is increased by 38% to 115% relative to the pre-tensioned length of the one or more elastic cords.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally set out in the claims.

Description of drawings

The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lanyard with a shackle and loop, according to one embodiment.

2 is a perspective view of a lanyard with two shackles, according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a cross-sectional view of a lanyard with shackles and loops, the lanyard consisting of a single strand originating at a first end of the sheath and terminating at a second end of the sheath, according to an exemplary embodiment Elastic cord formation.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a lanyard having two shackles and an elastic cord, according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 is a cross-sectional view of a lanyard having a shackle and loop, the lanyard consisting of a single strand that originates and ends at the first end of the sheath, according to an exemplary embodiment Elastic cord formation.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a lanyard including four elastic cords extending from a first end to a second end of the sheath, according to an exemplary embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view of one elastic cord of a lanyard according to an exemplary embodiment.

8 is a plan view of a shackle attachment member of a lanyard according to one embodiment.

9 is a plan view of an open shackle illustrating a gate separation distance that is less than the wall separation distance, according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a plan view of a lanyard illustrating sections of a lanyard that is stretched, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a drop test of the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a data table showing the results of various drop tests conducted using the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a data table related to the table of FIG. 11 showing the results of various drop tests conducted using the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 14 is a data table related to the table of FIG. 11 showing the results of various drop tests of the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 15 is a data table related to the table of FIG. 11 showing the results of various drop tests of the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 16 is a data table related to the table of FIG. 11 showing the results of various drop tests of the lanyard of FIG. 10 .

17 is a plan view of a lanyard coupled to a tether for a tightening tool, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a data table showing the results of various drop tests conducted using the lanyard of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 19 is a data table related to the table of FIG. 14 showing the results of various drop tests of the lanyard and tether shown in FIG. 13 .

Detailed ways

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of lanyards are shown. Lanyards are used as a safety measure to fasten tools to anchor points, eg when working at heights. For enhanced safety, a lanyard may be coupled to and tethered to the tool and tool battery when operating the tool at height. Various regulations (eg, OSHA regulations) may require lanyards for operators to use tools at heights. When the tool is dropped at a height, the lanyard couples the tool to the anchor point and prevents the tool from falling. This prevents safety hazards and also protects the tool from the damaging effects of drops.

Lanyards are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of a fall. A lanyard that is too rigid may break or break at the point of attachment to the tool or anchor point or along the lanyard itself. Rigid lanyards allow for a predetermined drop length, but typically exhibit brittle material behavior and may break unexpectedly along the lanyard or at the attachment member. This brittle-like behavior is due to the inability of the rigid lanyard to absorb the energy of a falling object. Elastomeric materials exhibit a much more ductile response to falling objects, but may not be as effective at preventing objects from falling the specified distance. For example, a first object having a first weight will fall a different distance than a second object having a second weight when attached to the same elastic lanyard. Many factors such as the height of the drop, the weight of the object being supported, the spring constant of the elastic material, and other factors determine the length of the amount of deformation required to support the falling object by the elastic lanyard. For reliable lanyards, this unpredictability can be problematic.

Applicants have found that using a sheath made of a rigid material or a non-elastic material such as nylon surrounding an elastic material such as natural rubber forms a combined lanyard with benefits from both materials. The lanyard has a predictable limit to the total amount of deformation defined by the total stretched length of the inelastic sheath. Additionally, the elastic properties of the cord within the lanyard absorb and dissipate most, if not all, of the drop energy. This elastic energy dissipation prevents similar brittle fracture of the sheath at the point of attachment or along the lanyard. The non-elastic material reliably limits the drop distance.

One common attachment member at the end of a lanyard is a shackle. The shackle can be quickly attached to an anchor point, tool or tool tether (coupled to or attached to the tool). The shackle operates the gate in two positions, an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the shackle can receive either a loop or a hook. The shackle can be biased toward the closed position so that when the loop is received, the shackle closes around the loop and prevents accidental release. Typically, however, the loop is larger than the gap or opening created by the shackle between the shackle's gate and the first end or between the shackle's gate and the inner wall. This may cause the loop to wrap within the shackle and may prevent the shackle from closing around the loop. Applicants have found that the distance between the gate and the inner wall that holds the shackle is greater than the distance between the gate and the end of the shackle, reducing tethering. This is because there is more space for the loop of the lanyard once it passes through the gate than there is between the gate and the end of the shackle (eg, more space on the shackle).

As shown in Figures 1-4, a lanyard 10 is provided. The lanyard 10 includes a sheath 14 having a first end 18 and an opposite second end 22 . The first end 18 of the sheath 14 is coupled to the first attachment member 24 and the second end 22 is coupled to the second attachment member 28 . The stretched sheath 14 defines an extended length between the first end 18 and the second end 22 of the sheath 14 . As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 , the sheath 14 is gathered or twisted around the elastic cord 34 . Thus, the fully extended sheath 14 is greater than the distance shown. The elastic cord 34 stretches freely within the length of the fully extended sheath 14 . The overall length of the extended sheath 14 defines a reliable limit to the distance that the lanyard 10 will allow the attached device to fall.

Sheath 14 may be made of nylon or other suitable material. For example, the sheath 14 may be made of natural fibers or wool, cashmere, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, and/or other natural fibers. The sheath 14 may be made of synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester, acrylic, acetate, nylon, polyamide, and/or other polymers. In this application, "nylon" will refer to any member of the polyamide family, such as nylon 6,6; nylon 6; nylon 6,12; nylon 5,10; and other polyamides. The sheath 14 may be formed from nylon sheets or composite materials such as nylon and rubber. The sheath 14 may be formed from less than 80 strands of nylon for every 20 strands of rubber. For example, the sheath 14 may be formed from 74 strands of nylon for every 26 strands of rubber. The sheath 14 may be formed of 70 strands of nylon for every 30 strands of rubber. The sheath 14 may be formed from 60 strands of nylon for every 40 strands of rubber.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 5 and 6 , the lanyard 10 includes a shackle 26 as the first attachment member 24 and a loop 30 as the second attachment member 28 . The loop 30 can be fastened to a power tool, and the shackle 26 can be fastened to a fixed anchor point, such as a building, machine, balcony railing/post, or other mounting structure. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the lanyard utilizes the shackle 26 as both the first attachment member 24 and the second attachment member 28 . In other embodiments, instead of the shackle 26 or the loop 30, the first attachment member 24 and the second attachment member 28 may be anything capable of securing the lanyard 10 to a power tool and/or a fixed anchor point. As used herein, a fixed anchor point will refer to any structure to which the lanyard is attached that supports the device during a fall. Examples of fixed anchor points include, but are not limited to, balconies, fences or railings, walls, supports, or other fixed anchor locations for lanyards.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lanyard 10 may be coupled to the first link member 32 and/or the second link member 36 . Linking members 32 and 36 may have different elastic/inelastic properties than lanyard 10 . Linking members 32 and 36 may be another lanyard 10 coupled in series. Linking members 32 and 36 may be coupled semi-permanently (eg, by one or more swivels 48) or releasably (eg, by one or more shackles 26). For example, the first attachment member 32 may attach the first end 18 to the first attachment member 24, such as the shackle 26, and the second attachment member 36 may attach the second end 22 to the second attachment member 28. Such as loop 30 in FIG. 1 or another shackle 26 in FIG. 2 . The first link member 32 and the second link member 36 may also be made of nylon, a nylon composite (eg, a composite of nylon and rubber), or any other suitable material.

As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 10 , the first joining portion 32 includes a ring segment 40 and a suture segment 44 that connects the ring segment 40 to the first end 18 of the sheath 14 . As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 , 8 , 9 and 10 , the shackle 26 may include a swivel 48 that allows the shackle 26 to rotate relative to the sheath 14 . In some embodiments, the swivel 48 is stationary and prevents the shackle 26 from rotating. In other embodiments, the swivel 48 resists rotation or allows rotation about the swivel 48 to discrete positions. As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 10 , the loop section 40 of the first link member 32 is looped around the swivel 48 to couple the shackle 26 to the first link member 32 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the lanyard 10 includes an elastic cord 34 located within the sheath 14 . The elastic cord 34 includes a set of individual elastic strands 58 of natural/synthetic rubber or elastic material that are wrapped together to form the elastic cord 34 . The elastic cord 34 may be formed of rubber or other suitable elastic material. For example, elastic cord 34 may be made of natural rubber, elastomers, elastic polymers, neoprene, unsaturated rubber (eg, polyisoprene or nitrile buna-n), saturated rubber (eg, ethylene propylene rubber) , thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), branched elastin, elastin, polysulfide rubber, elastic olefin and/or other extensible elastic materials. Additionally, the composite jacket 14 or the attachment portion 32 or 36 may include these materials in proportion to non-elastic materials (eg, nylon). For example, the jacket 14 or attachment portion 32 or 36 may be made of less than 80 strands of inelastic material (synthetic or natural) for every 20 strands of elastic material (synthetic or natural, eg, polyisoprene or natural rubber) of, for example, nylon 6,6).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , elastic cord 34 is coupled to first attachment member 24 (shackle 26 ) at first end 18 and defines a second attachment outside second end 22 Member 28 (ring 30). The sheath 14 surrounds the elastic cord 34 and is coupled to the shackle 26 at the first end 18 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the elastic cord 34 may be coupled to the shackle 26 at the first end 18 and to the other shackle 26 at the second end 22 . For example, loop 30 defined by elastic cord 34 may be located inside sheath 14 such that loop 30 is coupled to attachment member 28 (eg, shackle 26 ) or sheath 14 (eg, at sheath end 22 to sheath 14) and does not form the outer ring 30. The sheath 14 may be coupled to the second attachment member 28 (eg, the shackle 26 ) by the inner loop 30 . The sheath 14 surrounds the elastic cord 34 and is coupled to the shackle 26 at the first end 18 and the second end 22 . In some embodiments, the elastic cord 34 is coupled to the first link member 32 and the second link member 36 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 , the elastic cord 34 starts at the first end 18 of the sheath 14 and ends at the second end 22 of the sheath 14 .

Attachment members 24 and 28 may include shackles 26, loops 30, latches, tether keys or tether ends, buckles, fasteners or otherwise for attachment to tools or anchor points attachments. Attachment members 24 and 28 may provide anchor points to lanyard 10 or may be tool retention members. In operation, the first attachment member 24, such as the shackle 26, may be fastened to a fixed anchor point, and the second attachment member 28, such as the loop 30, may be fastened to a tool (not shown) used by the operator . In this way, if the operator drops the tool, the tool is elastically supported by the lanyard 10 until the extended length of the sheath 14 fastened to the anchorage point is reached. When the tool reaches the extended length of the sheath 14, regardless of weight, drop height, or other characteristics, the inelastic response of the sheath 14 dominates, thereby providing a reliable limit to the distance the falling object can travel.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the elastic cord 34 has a first end 38 , a second elastic cord end 42 , and a body 46 defined between the first end 38 and the second end 42 . Both the first end 38 and the second elastic cord end 42 are coupled to the shackle 26 . The body 46 is looped outside the second end 22 of the sheath 14 such that the body 46 defines the loop 30 . The elastic cord 34 extends beyond the sheath 14 to form the outer loop 30 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the ring 30 is located outside the sheath 14 . In some embodiments, the loop 30 is located inside the sheath 14 and is coupled to the attachment member 24 or 28 (such as the shackle 26 or the inelastic loop 30 illustrated in FIG. 6 ).

For example, in FIG. 5 , the loop 30 defined by the elastic cord 34 is located outside the sheath 14 and defines the second attachment member 28 . Thus, in this embodiment, the loop 30 is elastic and there are two elastic portions 50 and 54 defined by the body 46 of one elastic cord 34 . The resilient portions 50 and 54 of the body 46 extend within the sheath 14 between the first end 18 and the second end 22 of the sheath 14 . For example, both the first elastic cord end 38 and the second elastic cord end 42 are attached to the first attachment member 24 and the elastic cord 34 is between the first attachment member 24 and the second attachment member 28 Ring 30 is defined. In other embodiments, the loop 30 defined by the elastic cord 34 is located inside the sheath 14 . The loop 30 does not extend beyond the sheath 14 but includes elastic portions 50 and 54 such that both the first elastic cord end 38 and the second elastic cord end 42 are attached to the sheath 14 at the first end 18 . The inner ring 30 may be connected to the attachment member 28 at the second end 22 of the sheath 14 .

The elastic cord 34 is stretchable between an unstretched length and a stretched length. The unstretched length is less than the fully extended length of the sheath 14 . Thus, the sheath 14 gathers or kinks around the elastic cord 34 . The elasticity of the sheath 14 is less than the elasticity of the elastic cord 34 . This configuration enables the elastic cord 34 to stretch to absorb energy as the lanyard 10 supports a falling object. The stretched length of elastic cord 34 may vary between the unstretched length of elastic cord 34 and the fully extended length of sheath 14 . Between these limits, the stretched length of elastic cord 34 elastically absorbs the kinetic energy of the falling object.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the lanyard 10 includes four or more individual elastic cords 34 located within the sheath 14 . In some embodiments, the four or more elastic cords 34 may form the loop 30 such that both the first elastic cord end 38 and the second elastic cord end 42 are attached to the first attachment member 24 , and the elastic cord 34 defines a loop 30 between the first attachment member 24 and the second attachment member 28 .

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , each elastic cord 34 is independently coupled between the attachment member 24 and the attachment member 28 at the end 18 or 22 of the sheath 14 . Each elastic cord 34 is coupled between the first attachment member 24 and the second attachment member 28 on opposite ends of the sheath 14 . The elastic cord 34 is capable of stretching between an unstretched length and a stretched length. The unstretched length is less than the stretched length of the sheath 14 , and the elasticity of the sheath 14 is less than the elasticity of the elastic cord 34 . As illustrated, attachment members 24 and 28 are shackles 26 and non-elastic loops 30 (eg, nylon and not defined by elastic cord 34 ), although attachment members 24 and 28 may include any suitable attachment members 24 or 28. In some embodiments, the sheath 14 may include 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more individual elastic strands 34 within the lanyard 10 that are independently coupled to the attachment A ring 30 is either formed between the member 24 and the attachment member 28 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 , the elastic cord 34 includes between 36 and 50 elastic strands 58 . Thus, in embodiments such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , between the first end 18 and the second end 22 of the sheath 14 due to the presence of two elastic portions 50 and 54 within the sheath 14 There are effectively between 72 and 100 elastic strands 58 of rubber in between, but only 36 to 50 elastic strands 58 are present within the elastic cord 34 . Similarly, in embodiments such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the first end 18 and the second end 22 are within the jacket 14 because there are 4 separate elastic strands 34 within the jacket 14 . There are effectively between 144 and 200 elastic strands 58 in between. The additional elastic cords 34 have between N×36 and N×50 elastic strands 58 , where N represents the number of elastic cords 34 within the sheath 14 . For example, 5 elastic cords 34 (N=5) have between 5×36=180 and 5×50=250 elastic strands 58 . In some embodiments, two or more elastic strands 34 may form loop 30 within sheath 14 to create four or more elastic portions 50 and 54 . For example, two elastic strands 34 may form four elastic sections 50 and 54 and include between 72 and 100 elastic strands 58 made of rubber.

The shackle 26 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a body 62 having a first end 66 and a second end 70 that acts as a latch or gate 78 . The gate 78 is pivotable within a range of motion 82 between a first "closed" position and a second "open" position. For example, when the gate 78 is moved from the closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 ) to the open position (illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 ), an opening is formed between the gate 78 and the first end 66 74. The opening 74 is defined when the shutter 78 is opened between the first end 66 and the second end 70 of the shackle 26 .

The shackle 26 may be biased toward the closed position. Applying pressure to gate 78 pivots gate 78 between a closed position in which gate 78 engages second end 70 and an open position in which gate 78 has pivoted within range of motion 82 The maximum possible distance is turned, thus maximizing the enlarged opening 74 . Once the pressure is released, the gate 78 engages the second end 70 in the closed position. The gate 78 may latch and/or lock to the second end 70 of the shackle 26 to securely close and keep the shackle 26 closed. In some embodiments, the gate 78 is biased toward the closed position by a biasing member, such as a spring (not shown). The gate 78 may include a lock or cover (not shown) that rotates or slides to cover the second end 70 and secure the gate 78 in the closed position to prevent accidental opening or release of the shackle 26 .

The body 62 of the shackle 26 may optionally be attached to the swivel 48 and includes a first end 66 , a first wall portion 86 , a second wall portion 90 , and a second end 70 . The shape of the shackle 26 is defined by the body 62 at the first wall portion 86 and the second wall portion 90 . The first wall portion 86 is approximately parallel to the gate 78 when the gate 78 is in the closed position, and the second wall portion 90 is joined to the first wall portion 86 . For example, the second wall portion 90 may form an acute, obtuse, or right angle with the first wall portion 86 . As illustrated, the second wall portion 90 forms an acute angle with the first wall portion 86, which is approximately parallel to the gate 78 in the closed position. Other configurations and embodiments of the shackle 26 are contemplated, including non-parallel angles and/or staggered angles.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9 , the gate separation distance 94 is defined as the distance between the gate 78 and the second end 70 in the open position in which the gate 78 has pivoted within the range of motion 82 Maximum possible distance and maximize opening 74. The wall separation distance 98 is defined as the minimum distance between the gate 78 and the first wall portion 86 or the second wall portion 90 within the pivotal movement range 82 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the horizontal wall separation distance 98 is less than the vertical wall separation distance 98 . Thus, the wall separation distance 98 is the horizontal wall separation distance 98 .

By examining Figures 8-9, we observe two different relationships of gate separation distance 94 and wall separation distance 98 as defined above. In FIG. 8 , the minimum wall separation distance 98 (eg, the horizontal wall separation distance 98 ) is less than the gate separation distance 94 . In FIG. 9 , the vertical wall separation distance 98 in the open position is less than the horizontal wall separation distance 98 . Thus, the vertical wall separation distance 98 defines the wall separation distance 98 . In FIG. 9 , the gate separation distance 94 is less than the minimum (“vertical”) wall separation distance 98 .

The shackle 26 includes a gate 78 pivotably coupled to the first end 66 of the shackle 26 . The gate 78 is configured to fasten the second end 70 of the shackle 26 in the closed position. Rotation of the gate 78 to the open position defines a minimum wall separation distance 98 between the gate 78 in the open position and the walls 86 and 90 of the shackle 26 . The open position also defines the gate separation distance 94 between the second end 70 of the shackle 26 and the gate 78 . In some embodiments, the minimum wall separation distance 98 between the gate 78 and the walls 86 and 90 is greater than the gate separation distance 94 between the gate 78 and the second end 70 of the shackle 26 .

In the configuration of FIG. 9 , the first wall portion 86 and the second wall portion 90 are arranged relative to the gate 78 such that the wall separation distance 98 is greater than the gate separation distance 94 . Thus, in the second position of the gate 78, any square or round item, loop or hook large enough to enter the shackle 26 through the opening 74 can move through the gate 78 and allow the gate 78 to move back to the closed position. This allows the shackle 26 to securely lock the item or hook. In other words, the first wall portion 86 and the second wall portion 90 are arranged relative to the gate 78 such that items or hooks do not force the gate 78 to remain open. Ensuring that the gate separation distance 94 is less than the minimum wall separation distance 98 reduces entanglement and ensures that the gate 78 can be returned to the closed position. In this manner, the shackle 26 of FIG. 9 provides an operator with simpler use than the shackle 26 of FIG. 8 .

Figures 10-19 illustrate the various lanyard 10 lengths measured in the tests. 10 and 17 define two test configurations of the lanyard 10 . Figure 11 illustrates the test method. FIGS. 12-16 illustrate measurement results of tests applied to the lanyard 10 of FIG. 10 . 18-19 illustrate the measurement results of the test applied to the lanyard 10 of FIG. 17 .

As shown in Figure 10, the overall length 102 of the lanyard 10 can be broken down into six separate sub-lengths: (1) the length 106 of the shackle 26; (2) the length 110 of the loop segment 40; (3) the seam length 114 of segment 44; (4) length 118 of elastic cord 34 (not shown in FIG. 10 ) located within sheath 14 between first end 18 and second end 22; (5) second The length 122 of the connecting member 36; (6) the length 130 of the ring 30. The purpose of the test is to observe the elasticity of these lengths when supporting various weights dropped from the height of the unstretched elastic cord 34 above the fixed anchor point (or 2 times the unsupported distance of the unstretched elastic cord 34). how it has changed.

Figure 11 shows the two positions of the lanyard 10 before and after the 2x drop test. The drop test heights of the table in FIG. 12 are listed with the markings used in the event of a drop from a height 174 that is twice the untensioned length 142 of the elastic cord 34 within the lanyard 10 as indicated by arrow 170 with respect to the lanyard 10 "2X". The untensioned length 142 of the lanyard 10 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the "Total Length Before Drop 102" column or untensioned length of the lanyard 10 of the 2x drop test test. Dashed line 178 indicates a condition in which elastic cord 34 within lanyard 10 becomes taut and stretched. This test is designed to not extend to the fully extended length of the sheath 14 to test the elastic response of the lanyard 10 system. For the lanyard 10 test of Figure 10, the tool 150 is fastened to the loop 30 and dropped from the initial position 182 (2 times the unstretched length of the elastic cord 34) to the final position 186 in which the elastic cord 34 is fully stretched within sheath 14. The shackle 26 of the lanyard 10 is fastened at point 162 . As shown in FIG. 11, the fully stretched length 190 of the elastic cord 34 and other components of the lanyard 10 corresponds to the "Total stretched length 102" column in the table for the 2x drop test height test.

For each weight rated lanyard 10, there are three types of drop tests, as explained below. First, the lanyard 10 was subjected to the first 2X drop test while supporting the rated weight of the lanyard 10, and the peak force on the lanyard 10 was measured for this first drop. Second, the lanyard 10 was subjected to an additional 9 separate 2X drop tests while supporting the rated weight of the lanyard 10 . For each of these 9 additional drops, the peak force on the lanyard 10 was measured. The values listed in the table in FIG. 12 represent the maximum independent peak force measured in a total of 10 drops including the first drop supporting the rated weight of the lanyard 10 and the subsequent 9 drops fall. Third, the lanyard 10 was subjected to three 2x drop tests while supporting twice the rated weight of the lanyard 10, and the peak force was measured for each of the three drops. The maximum independent peak forces measured in these three drops are listed in the table of FIG. 12 . For example, for a lanyard 10 with a 10 lb weight rating with a total pre-drop length of 921mm, the peak force on the first drop at 10 lbs is 82 lbf, the maximum peak force in 10 drops at 10 lbs The force is 123lbf and the maximum peak force in 3 drops at 20lbs is 268lbf.

During a drop, the length 118 of the elastic cord 34 can vary between four separate stages: (1) an initial untensioned stage; (2) when the length of the elastic cord 34 is less than the length of the unkinked sheath 14 (3) a tensioning stage when the length of elastic cord 34 is equal to the fully extended length of sheath 14; and (4) a fully stretched stage in which elastic cord 34 and/or Or the sheath 14 becomes fully stretched. In the above table, the values for the initial untensioned stage are indicated in the column "Untensioned length 118 of elastic cord 34" and the value for the fully stretched stage is indicated in the column "Full stretch length 118 of elastic cord 34" in the column.

When the elastic cord 34 becomes as long as the untwisted sheath 14, the elastic cord 34 is 38% to 115% longer than its untensioned length. When the elastic cord 34 becomes as long as the unkinked sheath 14, the sheath 14 becomes tensioned and the elastic cord 34 and sheath 14 begin to stretch together as a system. As shown in the above table, the relative lengths of the sheath 14 and elastic cord 34 are selected when the weight (eg, of the tool) approaches the rated weight of the lanyard and when the weight on the tool 150 is greater than the untensioned weight of the lanyard 10 The height of length 142 provides lower peak force when dropped.

Because the sheath 14 is inelastic, the fully extended length of the sheath 14 generally defines the ultimate tensioning length of the lanyard 10 . When the one or more elastic cords 34 within the sheath 14 are stretched between the pre-tensioned length and the tensioned length, the one or more elastic cords 34 are unconstrained until the sheath is reached 14 to the fully extended length. When the tensioned length reaches the length of the fully extended sheath 14 , the elastic cord 34 reaches the ultimate tensioned length of the lanyard 10 . Therefore, the tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 is less than or equal to the ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 . In some embodiments, the ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 is 30% to 125% greater than the pre-tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 . In some embodiments, the ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 is 38% to 115% greater than the pre-tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 . The ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 may be between 45% and 110% of the pre-tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 . The ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 may be between 50% and 105% of the pre-tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 . The ultimate tensioned length of the sheath 14 may be between 55% and 100% of the pre-tensioned length of the elastic cord 34 .

In the tests described below, the length of the sheath 14 was selected to study the elastic properties of the elastic cord 34 . As such, the length of the sheath 14 is selected to be greater than the elastic response of the lanyard 10 system to prevent the ultimate tension length of the sheath 14 from interfering with the test results.

As shown in the table in FIG. 12, test data for lanyards 10 of different weight ratings indicates the corresponding stretch lengths for the above 6 sub-lengths when lanyard 10 is subjected to different drop tests. In all drop tests listed in the table of Figure 12, the length 106 of the shackle 26 remained constant at 86 mm and did not change as the lanyard 10 was stretched. Similarly, the length 114 of the sutured section 44 of the sheath 14 was held constant at 36 mm and the length 122 of the second attachment member 36 (eg, nylon) was held constant at 36 mm in all tests. In other words, none of the lengths 106, 114, 122 change as the lanyard 10 is stretched as it is dropped. Because the sheath 14 has a larger modulus of elasticity (spring constant) and lower elasticity than the elastic cord 34, the sheath 14 limits the length that the lanyard 10 can be stretched.

As related to the results shown in FIG. 12 , FIGS. 13-16 illustrate data from drop tests respectively related to: a 10 lb. weight rated system with an overall pre-drop length 102 of 921 mm Lanyard 10; 10 lb. weight rated lanyard 10 with 1381mm total pre-drop length 102; 15 lb. weight rated lanyard 10; and 50 lb. weight rated lanyard 10.

In another embodiment of the lanyard 192 shown in Figure 17, the lanyard 192 includes in series: a first shackle 194; a swivel member 196; a first link member 198 comprising loop section 202 and suture section 206; sheath 210; second joining member 214 comprising suture section 218 and loop section 222; second shackle 226; tether 230; and tether attachment member 236 . As in the previous embodiment, the elastic cord 34 (not shown in FIG. 17 ) is disposed within the sheath 210 and is coupled between the stitched section 206 of the first link member 198 and the stitched portion of the second link member 214 between segments 218.

As shown in Figure 17, the overall length 240 of the lanyard 192 can be broken down into 9 separate sub-lengths: (1) the length 244 of the first shackle 194; (2) the length 248 of the loop segment 202; (3) the length 244 of the first shackle 194; ) length 252 of suture section 206; (4) elastic cord 34 located between suture section 206 of first joining member 198 and suture section 218 of second joining member 214 and within sheath 210 (at 17); (5) length 260 of stitching section 218; (6) length 264 of loop section 222; (7) length 268 of second shackle 226; (8) ) the length 272 of the tether 230; and (9) the length 276 of the tether attachment member 236. Additionally, the overall length 240 may be subdivided into a first sub-length 280 from the first shackle 194 to the second shackle 226 and a tether 230 sub-length 284 from the tether 230 to the tether attachment member 236 .

The same drop test illustrated in FIG. 11 was performed through lanyard 192 in the same manner as described above, and the results are listed in the table shown in FIG. 18 . In all drop tests listed in the table of FIG. 18, both the length 244 of the first shackle 194 and the length 268 of the second shackle 226 remained constant at 86 mm and 96 mm, respectively, and did not follow the lanyard 192 change by stretching. Similarly, both the length 252 of the sutured section 206 of the sheath 14 and the length 260 of the sutured section 218 of the sheath 14 were held constant at 36 mm in all tests. In other words, none of the lengths 244, 252, 260, and 268 will change as the lanyard 192 is stretched when dropped. This indicates that the sheath 14 has a larger elastic modulus or spring constant and lower elasticity than the elastic cord 34 . Thus, the length of the sheath 14 defines a practical limit to the total stretch of the lanyard 10 . The elastic cord 34 stretches freely and absorbs the energy of the fall until the extended length of the sheath 14 is reached.

FIG. 19 illustrates data for drop tests associated with lanyards 192, respectively, as related to the results shown in FIG. 18 . Specifically, Figure 19 shows the elongation of the elastic cord 34 for a 2X test on: (1) first drop at rated weight; (2) 10 times at rated weight The maximum elongation after a drop; and (3) the maximum elongation after 3 drops at twice the rated weight of the lanyard 192.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly joined to each other. This bond may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed with each other as a single unit, or by the attachment of the two members to each other or the attachment of the two members and any additional members to each other. This bond may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail and that it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this specification. Accordingly, this specification should be construed as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (eg, in the , variations in structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the position or nature or number of discrete elements may be varied or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A lanyard comprising: a first attachment member; a second attachment member; a sheath including a first end coupled to the first attachment member and a second end coupled to the second attachment member, the sheath being connected to the first end at the first end an extended length is defined between the second ends; and an elastic cord having a first elastic cord end and a second elastic cord end, wherein both the first elastic cord end and the second elastic cord end are attached to the first elastic cord end an attachment member, the elastic cord defining a loop between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the elastic cord is capable of being pulled between an unstretched length and a stretched length stretched, and the unstretched length is less than the stretched length, wherein the elasticity of the sheath is less than the elasticity of the elastic cord. 2. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the sheath is formed from a nylon sheet. 3. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the elastic cord is natural rubber. 4. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the loop defined by the elastic cord is external to the sheath, the loop defining the second attachment member. 5. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the loop defined by the elastic cord is located inside the sheath coupled to the second attachment member. 6. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the elastic cord comprises between 36 and 50 individual elastic strands. 7. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment member is a shackle. 8. The lanyard of claim 7, wherein the shackle includes a gate pivotally coupled to the first end of the shackle, and the gate is configured to be closed when closed a position to fasten the second end of the shackle, wherein rotation of the gate to an open position defines a minimum minimum distance between the gate in the open position and one or more walls of the shackle A wall separation distance and a gate separation distance between the second end of the shackle and the gate, wherein the minimum wall separation distance is greater than the gate separation distance. 9. A lanyard comprising: a first attachment member; a second attachment member; a sheath including a first end coupled to the first attachment member and a second end coupled to the second attachment member, the sheath being connected to the first end at the first end an extended length is defined between the second ends; and Four or more separate elastic cords located within the sheath, each elastic cord coupled to the said sheath on opposite ends of the sheath between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the elastic cord is stretchable between an unstretched length and a stretched length, and the unstretched length is less than the stretched length, Wherein, the elasticity of the sheath is smaller than the elasticity of the elastic cord. 10. The lanyard of claim 9, wherein the sheath is a composite of nylon and natural rubber. 11. The lanyard of claim 10, wherein the sheath is made of 74% nylon and 26% natural rubber. 12. The lanyard of claim 9, further comprising a loop attachment member coupled to the first end or the second end of the sheath. 13. The lanyard of claim 9, wherein the four or more individual elastic strands comprise between 144 and 200 individual elastic strands. 14. The lanyard of claim 9, further comprising a shackle as the first attachment member or the second attachment member, wherein the shackle comprises a gate pivotally coupled to The first end of the shackle and the gate are configured to fasten the second end of the shackle in the closed position, wherein rotation of the gate to the open position defines all of the positions in the open position. a minimum wall separation distance between the gate and one or more walls of the shackle and a gate separation distance between the second end of the shackle and the gate, wherein the minimum wall The separation distance is greater than the gate separation distance. 15. A lanyard comprising: tool holding member; hook and loop; a boot including a first end coupled to the tool holding member and a second end coupled to the shackle, the second end being opposite the first end, fully extended The jacket defines an ultimate tensioning length; and one or more elastic cords located within the sheath and coupled to the tool holding member on the first end of the sheath and to the sheath coupled to the shackle at a second end of the one or more elastic cords having a pre-tensioned length and a tensioned length, wherein the tensioned length of the one or more elastic cords a length less than or equal to the ultimate tensioning length of the sheath, and wherein the ultimate tensioning length of the sheath is increased relative to the pre-tensioning length of the one or more elastic cords 38% to 115%. 16. The lanyard of claim 15, wherein the tool holding member is a loop. 17. The lanyard of claim 15, wherein the tool retention member is a tether hitch. 18. The lanyard of claim 15, wherein the tool retention member is a shackle. 19. The lanyard of claim 15, comprising two elastic cords in the form of loops, the two elastic cords comprising between 72 and 100 elastic strands of rubber. 20. The lanyard of claim 15, further comprising a shackle attachment member, wherein the shackle includes a gate pivotally coupled to the first end of the shackle, and the gate is configured to fasten the second end of the shackle in a closed position, wherein rotation of the gate to an open position defines one or more of the gate and the shackle in the open position A minimum wall separation distance between more walls and a gate separation distance between the second end of the shackle and the gate, wherein the minimum wall separation distance is greater than the gate separation distance.

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